Good morning. Ukraine claims to have struck more than 40 warplanes at air bases deep inside Russia in a massive co-ordinated drone attack reportedly more than a year in the planning.
Back home, we take a close look at the NDIS system, which is undergoing major changes that have left some families facing crisis amid the tumult of reform. And we can reveal that University of Melbourne students could be expelled over pro-Palestine demonstrations.
Plus: McLaren’s Oscar Piastri has stormed to victory at the Spanish F1 grand prix.
Australia
NDIS funding | As the national disability insurance scheme undergoes massive changes, advocates say some participants have become collateral damage – placing their carers in impossible situations as their funding runs dry.
Protest action | Two University of Melbourne students have been recommended for expulsion and two for suspension for their part in a pro-Palestine demonstration at the university’s Parkville campus.
Jaclyn Symes | Victoria’s new treasurer tells Benita Kolovos why she’s confident that cost-of-living pressures will soon ease – and why voters shouldn’t be so spooked about the state’s soaring debt.
Election autopsy | The Greens lost three seats at the 2025 election, including Melbourne, the electorate of their former leader Adam Bandt. So, exactly how did it all go wrong for the Greens?
Counting the cost | Six months of natural disasters and wild weather in 2025 have already cost the economy $2.2bn, largely in slower retail and household spending, according to new federal treasury analysis.
World
Russia-Ukraine war | Ukraine has launched a “large-scale” drone attack against Russian military bombers in Siberia, striking airfields thousands of kilometres from its own territory. Footage appears to show the attack on Russian planes.
Gaza crisis | Dozens of Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they went to receive food at an aid distribution point set up by an Israeli-backed foundation in Gaza, according to witnesses; Greta Thunberg joins aid ship sailing to Gaza aimed at breaking Israel’s blockade.
Polish elections | Pro-European Rafał Trzaskowski has claimed victory over Karol Nawrocki in Poland’s presidential election, but more than one exit poll has suggested the result is too close to call.
Cancer research | Exercise can reduce the risk of cancer patients dying by a third, stop tumours coming back and is even more effective than drugs, according to the results of a landmark trial.
‘It is unbearable’ | Two people have died and hundreds have been arrested amid violence on the streets of France which marred Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final victory.
Full Story
Greg Jericho says Labor’s super tax reveals a system built for the rich
The Albanese government wants to reduce the tax breaks for those with more than $3m in superannuation. Columnist Greg Jericho speaks with Reged Ahmad about why the media debate over a smaller tax break for Australia’s wealthiest 0.5% is divorced from reality.
In-depth
The Newcastle to Sydney high-speed rail link is estimated to cost at least $30bn and would take well over a decade to build. The project has barely left the station, but already some experts say there may be a cheaper and easier way to do it – and are pointing to a US example of what can be achieved. Elias Visontay takes a look at two vastly different visions.
Not the news
In the latest of our Kindness of strangers series, we hear from a reader forever grateful to a pool lifeguard who placed a towel around her when her period started at the worst-possible moment. His intervention rescued a teenager’s family holiday – and showed that even the smallest of acts can be the most impactful.
Sport
Motorsport | Australian driver Oscar Piastri (above) led a McLaren one-two to win the Spanish F1 Grand Prix as rival Max Verstappen paid the penalty for a moment of anger.
AFL | Callan Ward turning heartbreak into inspiration sums up all that is wonderful about AFL, Jonathan Horn writes.
Cycling | Britain’s Simon Yates sealed a Giro d’Italia victory in Rome to notch up his second grand tour title.
Tennis | Tommy Paul ended Alexei Popyrin’s French Open run with a swift victory; Iga Swiatek staged a stunning comeback to beat Elena Rybakina to reach the quarter-finals.
Athletics | Sprint sensation Lachie Kennedy broke the magical 10-second barrier for the 100m.
Media roundup
New laws that could regulate the use of AI loom large as a critical workplace battleground for Labor, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. There are calls for increased health support for migrant workers as a new report reveals some women are hiding pregnancies and attempting home abortions, ABC News reports. The fine print in Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful” tax bill could contain a nasty surprise for Australian super funds and investors, the Age reports.
What’s happening today
Victoria | The trial of Erin Patterson continues in Morwell.
NSW | A public hearing is scheduled in NSW parliament on modern slavery risks faced by temporary migrant workers.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
